Emma Davis, 4OVER4 print production voice (illustration)
Emma Davis Print Production Specialist at 4OVER4.COM

Emma is our prepress and print production voice, built from the knowledge of our production team, with over 20 years in printing.

Question

What paper types work best for letterpress?

Answer

Cotton paper is the gold standard for letterpress. Its soft, absorbent fibers compress under the press to create the deep, signature impression the process is known for.

  • Cotton stock: the top choice, with fibers that compress cleanly for the deepest, most defined impression.
  • Uncoated stock: also works well, though the impression is a little less dramatic than on cotton.
  • Coated and glossy papers: not recommended, because a hard, slick surface does not compress and holds the impression poorly.

As a rule, the softer and more absorbent the sheet, the richer the letterpress result.

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